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Faith during Calamity

Acts 26:1-3 “1Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently” (KJV).

Paul had spent years sitting in prison, waiting for the Lord to open the door of opportunity. If anyone had the right to become hostile, angry, or aggressive it would be Paul. Having to sit in prison because of false accusations must have been challenging.

Notice that Paul’s initial response was to wait until he is given permission and the opportunity to speak. He reaches his hand out as a gesture of high respect towards Agrippa. Instead of moving directly into his opening defense, he takes the time to acknowledge Agrippa’s knowledge and intelligence.

Have you ever been treated poorly because of your faith in Christ? Have you ever had a difficult time witnessing to a friend or loved one, only to find them hostile towards your beliefs? It may be difficult to defend and share our faith when we are met by strong opposition. We may get frustrated and walk away from any future attempts to share or discuss our faith.

But maybe we need to consider the way we approach others. Maybe Paul gives us a great example of patience, love, and meekness. Sharing our faith and discussing our doctrinal beliefs might be well received if we take time and display the same loving, polite, and professional qualities that Paul showed Agrippa. Paul had to wait a couple of years in prison before he was able to plead his case.

Another reminder is that we operate according to the Lord’s timing, not ours… The Lord might be keeping one door closed and preparing to open another one…